Rachel and I are beginning the process of thinning out our expenses, or rather our indulgences that put a financial strain on us. We really don't spend much outside of bills, or so I think. We're poor. We can't afford to do much, and can't pay every bill on time right now, and so we're going to cut unnecessary spending. Eating out for us, is usually getting a hot n ready pizza, or taco bell, and the occasional dine in 20-25.00 bill. Rachel has unsubscribed from all the retail places that she shops at like Kohls, Old Navy, Gap, etc.. She doesn't even want to be tempted to take advantage of their 30-50% off because we usually don't need it. We've put ourselves in a bit of a hole financially by not immediately filling the vacant rooms in our house with tenants, instead choosing to take the risk and leave space for Ignite Gap Year people.

We are blessed though. We have free child care (all we pay is gas to travel there) from our mothers. My mom practically lives at Kohls and so she is always buying clothes that she go for ridiculously low prices. We do live with people who put up with our dog, and our cats, and the renovations going on, which provides help with the house payment and utilities. Living with others also helps shift priorities, motivate us to get more done on the house, and try to be better stewards of the planet and its resources.

I kind of feel relieved that we have to shrink our spending though. I'm tired of the stress on our family. I'm tired of feeling bogged down all the time, while always having a long to do list. There have been some good meals at our house for a fraction of what they cost in a restaurant.

We'll keep on living as simply as we can, working on our house with the help of friends, and eliminate debt and bills as fat as we can.